Sewing Machine Mat
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to sew a sewing machine mat with side pockets for keeping everything you need close at hand. Super easy!
Project preview
This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
What you’ll make
Sew a padded mat that sits beneath your sewing machine to protect the table and keep tools within reach. Layered side pockets hold thread snips, scissors, markers, a seam ripper and other small accessories.
The design also includes a removable pincushion attached with hook-and-loop tape and buttons for hanging small fabric baskets that can hold clips or collect loose threads.
An optional channel accepts a dowel across the mat, helping the hanging edges retain their shape when the pockets are loaded. Small rear straps can connect to hooked suction cups to help hold the mat in place.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Bind and interface layered pocket pieces.
- Divide pockets into compartments for your preferred tools.
- Sew, fill and attach a removable pincushion.
- Layer the mat with batting and secure the pockets and optional straps.
- Create openings and a stitched channel for an optional dowel.
- Turn the mat neatly and finish its opening with topstitching.
Fabric and materials
Use non-stretch woven fabrics such as poplin, quilting cotton or canvas. Interface lighter pocket fabric for more body; a heavier canvas pocket may not need extra interfacing.
The mat also uses batting. Optional additions include hook-and-loop tape, buttons, straps, hooked suction cups and a dowel cut to fit the finished width.
Make it your own
Trace the base pattern and compare it with your machine. You can make the mat wider, longer or smaller, then position the pockets and removable pincushion where they will be most useful.
Choose the number and width of pocket divisions, omit the dowel or suction-cup straps, or add one or more buttons for the multipurpose fabric baskets.
This beginner-friendly video class includes the printable mat pattern and a materials list.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
Project gallery
